Agave sp. (Agave)

Agaves are rosette plants that live for many several years before flowering. Each rosette will flower only once, then die. The English common name, Century Plant, is based on the mistaken belief that the plants grow for 100 years before blooming. In fact, some of the smaller species flower when only 3 to 4 years old. The larger species may live for 40 to 50 years before flowering. They may be planted outdoors in mild climates, especially those that are desert and semi-desert; otherwise, they may be grown in a greenhouse and when small as houseplants. In regions with harsh winters, Agaves may be planted outdoors in the summer and brought in during the winter. The sizes of the Agaves vary from 6 inches to 15 feet wide between the species.